Evidence-based programming underscores the mission of CNCS’s
Office of Research & Evaluation (ORE). We see program development as an
iterative process, using evaluation and research as indicators for improving
programs, impacting more lives, and building stronger communities. To that end,
ORE helps further the school of evaluation by providing organizations with the
resources and tools to incorporate evaluation into their own efforts.

Every grant is a unique story. Not just for the obvious reasons
of differing organizations, missions, and locations, but also the process of
developing, administering, and evaluating a program. The evidence-based
planning grant process can provide valuable insights for our grantees’ peers
and other organizations that may also consider applying for a grant.

It is for that reason that we decided to
chronicle our 2017 grantees’ journey through program development. In this first
of four blogs, we introduce each organization and examine their initial
experiences as they began planning their programs. Stay tuned for future blogs,
as we dive deeper into their program development, challenges, and how each
grantee overcame obstacles.

AmeriCorps
VISTA has 3,000 opportunities nationwide for you to go where you’re skills,
talents, and experience are needed - in communities, fighting poverty. You may
not have thought to search in Wyoming, but here are 10 good reasons to consider
serving in the Cowboy State:

1. Go
find your park! We
have an abundance of public lands. Between 2 National Parks, 12 State Parks, 5
National Forests, & 1 National Monument, there millions of acres to
explore. (Photo credit: NPS.gov)

2. Local
nonprofits need your help!
Recent downturns in the coal, oil, and gas industries, have led to the loss of
an estimated 25,000 jobs. Local nonprofits are struggling to meet the gaps and
keep up with the need, and that is where some of our AmeriCorps VISTA projects
fit in.

They had to be tired, many nodded their heads,But when duty calls, everyone misses their beds, This assignment was special, it came in a snap,“Santa needs help; grab your boots, grab your cap!”

I looked out my window; wondering “What’s all the fuss?”My wife and kids were sleeping, those folks need to hush.All these people in khakis, branded with S’s and A’s,But others came with them, I didn’t know what to say.

The snow was falling; I had just come home,Three tours of duty; no more need to roam.Christmas might miss us, but we had each other,Here, just four of us gathered, along with my mother.

All of a sudden, an SUV tore ‘round the corner;It stopped in our drive, out popped folks with hand warmers; The front door flung open and who did appear;It was a special Team Leader, in green khaki gear.

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